Do I need an HMO licence in Croydon?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Croydon runs 3 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Croydon?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Croydon's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Croydon?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Croydon can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Croydon?

HMO licence applications in Croydon are handled by London Borough of Croydon. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Croydon HMO licensing guide

Croydon HMO licence — do you need one?

Croydon has 3 licensing schemes on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Croydon announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

ConsultationEffective: September 2026

Croydon Selective & Additional Licensing Consultation

Consulting on selective licensing (14 wards, fee £800) and borough-wide additional licensing (fee £1,250). Schemes to launch 1 September 2026.

Read the original announcement →

Additional HMOEffective: 1 September 2026

Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 1 September 2026)

A new borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme covering all HMOs occupied by 3 or more persons from 2 or more households, running alongside a new Selective Licensing Scheme for selected wards. Application details to be published in July 2026.

Read the original announcement →

SelectiveEffective: 1 September 2026

New Selective Licensing Scheme — Selected Wards (from 1 September 2026)

Following consultation, Croydon approved a new selective licensing scheme covering selected wards (broadly 14 wards) from 1 September 2026. Licence fee is £800 per property; application details to be released in July 2026. HMOs already covered by mandatory or additional licensing are exempt.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Croydon-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).

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HMO licensing in Croydon — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Croydon?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Croydon runs 3 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Croydon?: Croydon currently has 3 schemes on our register: Croydon Selective & Additional Licensing Consultation (from September 2026); Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 1 September 2026) (from 1 September 2026); New Selective Licensing Scheme — Selected Wards (from 1 September 2026) (from 1 September 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Croydon?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Croydon's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Croydon?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Croydon can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Croydon?: HMO licence applications in Croydon are handled by London Borough of Croydon. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Croydon with other areas we track.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Croydon schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with London Borough of Croydon before letting or applying for a licence.